Saturday was a big bounce-back day for the Cardinals in their NL Central battle with the Cubs.
The Cardinals took down the Cubs 5-3 at home to send this series to a pivotal rubber game Sunday. Carlos Martinez pitched effectively for 6 2/3 innings, allowing the three runs on five hits and four walks for his third win of the season.
Saturday’s win came before a crowd of 47,882 — largest in Busch Stadium III history — and with a largely different cast of characters than is usual. Regular starter Randal Grichuk received the day off and was replaced by Magneuris Sierra in right field, while Tommy Pham continued to start in place of the injured Stephen Piscotty.